Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board About Cryptosporidium in Whitney-area water

Hi, all.

Do you think Cryptosporidium is something to be concerned about in the Inyo National Forest? (I'm heading up the Mountaineer's Route in a week.) I have Aquamira drops that can treat Giardia and viruses 30 minutes after it's added to water, but I’d have to wait FOUR HOURS for Aquamira to be effective with Cryptosporidium.

I understand that Giardia and viruses are always an issue. Not sure about Crypto. I'd hate to have to wait four hours to treat something that isn't really present on the Mountaineer's Route. I know of all the good spots to get the cleanest water on the MR and the Main Trail, but I'd rather be safe and ask the experts.

Thanks.
PS: I'm looking forward to one of the WP Store's legendary mega-pancakes!!

In ten years of climbing the MR, I've never treated the water. I drink the water that runs over slabs between LBSL and UBSL, and also the water at Iceberg Lake. Other Whitney veterans (if they choose to respond) will tell you the same thing.

Hi U-Man Being,

I also might be on the MR next week. My focus will be enjoying the world-class scenery, getting safely to the Summit and back, and seeing if I can manage to eat half a Pancake.

Up that way, I am about as concerned about crypto, as I am about being attacked by flying saucers.

Generally, in the Sierras, if I think water deserves treatment, I do not drink it (treatment or not). If with a partner(s), we focus on good personal hygiene.

So far the weather looks good next week. Have a great hike.

Jim

Once coming down the North Fork, I stopped and dipped my bottle in the flow on the slabs near a couple guys who were pumping (the water, not each other). I drank the whole bottle much to the amazement of one guy who said to the other "Look! He's just drinking it straight!" The other guy said, angrily: "Well, he's going to die!"

I hate empty promises...

U Man,
Seconding hightinerary's comments.
Scott

Thanks for your feedback.

Would you be comfortable drinking water on the *far* end of UBSL (farthest from the hiking route), assuming there are no campers at that end?

I'm kind of reluctant to get water from LBSL and instead get water straight from the waterfall just before the E. Ledges.

I may leave the treatment drops at home!
Much appreciated.

http://www.mountwhitneyforum.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Main=6324&Number=47451#Post47451

Maybe someone has copies of Bob R's documents...

Props to anyone who hauls their camping gear to that side of the lake---and is able to find a decent spot to sleep.

But yes, go around to the back of UBSL and then up to the last tarn and take from that inlet---1000' of granite sand-filtered water. You will find none purer. But you will see marmots, and marmots defecate, as do the little sparrows, and crows, and pika, and ground squirrels, and the bugs---and those freaky toads that are the last things you're expecting to see. But that just flavors the water, and water is life, and life is risk.

I have skinny dipped in UBSL, I'm sure my body slime has dissipated by now.

Says you.

Did he say when?

Gee, I wish there was a "LIKE" button for Jeff and Dave's comments ...
You guys are F-uuuuneeee!
Jeff, you know he did it! Ever wonder why there are no fish in that lake?!?!?

Hey Miss BiletChick, there are fish in UBSL !
a little bit of my body sauce won't hurt..